I85PREP
⌘ K
Georgia CDL Hazmat study materials
Georgia CDL Hazmat study resources

Georgia CDL Hazmat: Hazardous Materials Emergencies, Incident Reporting, and Security Awareness

Georgia CDL Hazmat · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Hazardous Materials Emergencies, Incident Reporting, and Security Awareness

What the exam tests

This domain tests emergency response and reporting: what to do at a spill or fire, when to call the National Response Center, the written report, and security awareness on a hazmat load.

Emergency response

  • The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is organized by UN/NA number and guide number; the orange-bordered pages give initial isolation distances, protective clothing, and fire response.
  • First priorities: protect people, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, warn others, and call 911.
  • Do not attempt cleanup or firefighting beyond your training. Many hazmat fires require evacuation rather than attack.
  • Use the shipping paper and ERG to identify the material and guide number.

Incident reporting

  • Releases of a reportable quantity (RQ) or certain transportation incidents require immediate notice to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
  • The carrier must also notify local emergency responders and the shipper.
  • A written report on DOT Form 5800.1 is required within 30 days for many incidents.
  • The driver's job is to report promptly and accurately; the carrier files the written report.

Security awareness

  • Recognize suspicious behavior, unattended packages, and attempts to obtain load information.
  • Do not discuss hazmat loads, routes, or schedules with strangers.
  • Lock the vehicle and secure cargo; park in well-lit, attended areas.
  • Report threats or suspicious activity to the carrier and, when immediate, to law enforcement.

Worked example

A gasoline tanker overturns and leaks. The driver is unhurt. The driver should call 911, isolate the area, stay upwind, and notify the carrier. Gasoline has an RQ, so the carrier must call the NRC. The driver should not try to stop the leak or clean it up unless trained and equipped. The ERG guide for gasoline is a flammable liquid guide; it calls for eliminating ignition sources and evacuating.

Traps

Do not call the NRC instead of 911 when people are in danger. Do not assume you must clean up a spill. Do not miss the 30-day written report. Do not give load details to unknown callers.